Senator Greg Ryberg today condemned in the strongest terms fraudulent automated phone calls released last night and today identifying his business office as the origin phone number of the call. The automated call by an unidentified male endorsed Ryberg and Scott Singer while denigrating Representative Skipper Perry.

Ryberg said, “I did not pay for, place or otherwise authorize the phone call, and I condemn the person or persons who did. The message in the phone is in no way tied to me or my campaign. I have not nor will I endorse anyone in the race for House District 81. I furthermore am proud to have served with Skipper Perry who I consider a fine colleague and friend. The call smacks of last minute desperation tactics by a failed campaign and its immoral operators.”

Ryberg added that, “I have contacted SLED and they have begun their investigation today. I will not rest until the perpetrators of this illegal activity are discovered and punished. I abhor these tactics and reject this crass manipulation of the citizens of Aiken.”

Ryberg noted that, “I have run nothing other than a clean campaign focused solely on the issues and my record in the South Carolina Senate. I need nothing other than my record to stand on, and I have nothing but respect for the voters in Aiken who know me and my record. I call on those responsible for the illegal activity to not only cease their activities in this campaign but also to cease participation in South Carolina politics altogether. There is no place in our state for this sort of gutter operation.”